CHAPTER 1 - THE PAINFUL BETRAYAL
Celene's POV The cold splash of water on my skin jolted me awake. I sat up with a gasp, my heart racing, as I frantically wiped the cold droplets from my face. And that's when I saw her, Ella, standing over me with a wicked grin, the empty glass still clutched in her hand. "What do you think you're doing?" I hollered angrily. She sneered in derision. "It's quite irrational to scream like a lunatic so early in the morning. Don't you think so?" I exhaled slowly. "Get out of my room, now!" She raised an eyebrow. "Your room?" She said this as she moved closer to me. "Okay, let's see how cocky you can get when you get wheeled out of the pack today!" Suddenly, I caught a whiff of her musky scent. Only it wasn't her usual scent. I sniffed again, and this time, the scent was more pronounced. In the whole Violet pack, only one person had this scent. My boyfriend, Christoph! Why did my bitchy stepsister have his scent all over her? My gaze darkened as I watched her face closely. Maybe I was overthinking it. Christoph was away from the pack at the moment, so it couldn't be him. For all I knew, Celene liked to whore around a lot. It might just be another man's scent. I wrinkled my nose in disgust. "Just get the hell out of my room and mind your business. Don't you have something to do today?" Her lips curled into an evil expression as she clicked her tongue. "Actually, I do. Packing your load for you. Dad's sending you out of the pack! He has ordered me to call you to the pack's palace now!" Before I could say anything else, she bolted out the door, her chuckles reverberating in the corridor. Panic settled in my guts as I paced my room. What did she mean? I was going to be sent out of the pack.? And from her tone, I knew she wasn't joking. Ella would be the last person to enter my room on a normal day. Something must be up. I freshened up quickly and walked the road that led to the palace. As I approached the door, I could hear hushing voices. "We can't just marry her off to the Lycan king. You know his reputation." My heart stopped dead as words drifted out, and so did my legs. Who were they marrying off to the Lycan king? Surely it couldn't be me. I shook my head as I pushed the door open. "What took you so long, Omega!" My stepmother, Valerie, hissed as she fixed me with a disdainful glare. I ignored her and shifted my gaze to Dad, who sat beside her, wearing a complicated look as he avoided my gaze. "Dad, I heard you summon me!" I saw him swallow hard in his throat as he turned to Valerie. "Your stepmother has something to tell you!" He went all silent again, just as he'd always been since Mom's death. He was only the alpha by title. Valerie did all of the Alpha's duty, and she made the call. Anger boiled in me. "Dad, you're the Alpha, and I request to speak with you. I will not receive any orders from this woman!" "How dare you!" Valerie growled as she sprang to her feet and lunged towards me. "I'm your Luna, you insolent Omega!" I saw through her attack and managed to duck, but she was smarter. She smacked me across the face with her left hand, and I staggered backwards from the impact. My face burned with the sting, and I grabbed my hurting cheeks, turning to face her in time to catch the menacing look on her face. "You useless omega runt! You are a stain on the pack's honour; how dare you address your Luna in such a manner!?" I grunted. "Luna, my foot!" A slap was what I got as a reply; this time it was harder, and it snapped all the air out of my guts as I struggled to maintain my balance. "It's so funny seeing a pathetic excuse for a wolf acting out. Shall I throw you into the cold throat of the dungeons like last time?" She gritted out, and panic seized me. Seeing the terrified look on my face, she sighed in satisfaction. "The Lycan king is visiting us today, and you can't ruin it for us. Go get yourself changed out of these rags you call clothes!" "No! I will not!" You can't just sell me off to a monster who I know nothing about. I won't act according to your wishes!" "Celene!" Dad growled. "I'm your Alpha, and you shall obey me! Get ready to meet the Lycan king!" Oh, now you're the Alpha? I sneered inwardly. "Guards, get her out of here!" He ordered Almost immediately, the guards lurched at me and tackled me to the ground while I struggled against their grip. They threw me to the cold floor of the hallway. Different thoughts competed for attention in my mind as I shuffled back to the royal villa. As I approached it, a car suddenly pulled up in front of the villa. It looked ever so familiar. It was my boyfriend Christoph's car. He was in town. I hadn't received any calm from him. He was probably trying to surprise me. A smile grazed my lips as I started towards the car, but I hadn't taken more than one step when the car's door yanked open and Christoph climbed out, his face looking as handsome as ever. However, when I saw the face of the woman who climbed out after him, my mind emptied. It was none other than Ella. My heart skipped multiple beats as I froze in my tracks. What was my bitchy-ass stepsister doing with my boyfriend? I killed the thought as quickly as it came. I and Christoph have been dating for close to three years now. There was no way he was cheating on me. He was beaming at her as they held each other's hands as they entered the villa. My pulse quickened as panic balled in my guts. I all but raced in and doubled up the stairs, listening carefully for the slightest sound. Just as I reached the last landing, I heard the sound of Ella's room's door clicking shut. With my heart thudding in my chest, I walked stealthily to the door. Almost immediately, I heard a chuckle, low and throaty. "You're so sweet, Ella!" Christoph's voice broke out hoarsely, and my heart clenched. "Sweeter than my sister?" Ella asked. "Yes. Sweeter than her." His voice was muffled as though he were trailing kisses all over her face and the nape of her neck, just like he used to do to me. Ella's moan grew louder, and my throat bittered at the thought of what was happening. I shook my head in disbelief. There was no way this could actually be happening. I was probably hallucinating. I bit hard into my lips till it bled, but Ella's loud moans never stopped. "Fuck me like you're a man, Chris!" She moaned, and I heard Christoph groan in response. I wiped my face as I sniffed back the emotions that were gnawing at me. How could he fuck my sister in the same house I was living in? They didn't only do the abomination; they even rubbed it in my face, challenging me to do my worst if I wanted. How could I even cry for them? I could continue listening to the door. I had to see it for myself. "Oh, Ella. I'm so close now. So close!" Christoph groaned. "No, dawg. Not so close!" I said this through gritted teeth as I pushed the door open. "Celene!" Christoph's voice trembled as a look of shock registered on his face.Chapter 2Celene's POVThe tears that I had been holding back since spilt out with full force as I stood riveted to a spit, watching him quickly step into a pair of trousers."Celene, you have to calm down. It was only---""What are you doing in the pack?" My voice was surprisingly calm."I can explain, Cel. It's not what it looks like.""It's not what it looks like? I just saw you banging on another girl. My sister!" I choked back another anguished sob, hating how weak and pitiful I sounded. I hated that he had brought me to these depths of humiliation after all the lonely, hopeful months I had waited for his return."I was going to tell you, but..." he trailed off, biting into his lips."But you didn't." My voice broke out as I wiped the corners of my eyes. "You sneaked into the pack to bang my sister; how could you do this to me? You promised to never hurt me!"He conceded with his fist. "Listen, Celene. I promise it will never repeat itself." He reached out to touch me."Don't yo
Chapter 3 Celene's POV They dragged me into the judgement hall, and I realised a couple of pack members, the judgement council, and Dad Valerie were already gathered there. They all had accusatory and judging expressions as they cast sidelong glances at me. The guards asked me to kneel. "Dad, what's going on?" I yelled, frustration getting the best part of me. He didn't even bother answering me as he faced the people present. "Today, I lost my second daughter, Ella!" I let out a gasp. "What? How's that even possible!?" The judgement room sprang into life with whisperings and chatter. A needle-like pain was stabbing at my knees, and I felt like every ounce of strength in my body was being snapped out. "We are trying to find out who..." "She did it!" Leslie cut him off coldly, pointing accusing fingers at me. "This cold-blooded runt killed my daughter in the woods. We have all the evidence on her, and now she has to pay with her life!" Her words held so much weight that they
Chapter 4Celene's POVI could feel perspiration rivering down my back as I glimpsed the menance in his eyes. He looked like he was about to explode soon. And was it just me, or did he just say I belonged to him?They scuttled around and got the chains off me, shivering with fear as they avoided him."Alpha Mondrian, how did—how did you find Ella?" Valerie stuttered.He sneered. "You know, for some moment, I almost assumed you tried to kill your own daughter!" He paused as everyone gasped in shock, and a scowl appeared on Valerie's face."I was just kidding!" He laughed, low and husky. "She was caught in the trap your pack warriors set out for rogues. I saved her."Valerie gritted her teeth as she managed a tight smile. "Thank you so much. Uhm... We are sorry for putting you through so much trouble. The judgement is hereby cancelled." She announced.Mondrian suddenly held his hand up. "No!" He shook his head. "That wasn't exactly the way I imagined you would say it. You should apologi
Chapter 5Celene's POVI shuddered slightly, suddenly checking the urge to buckle but I wasn't ready to give him the satisfaction that he so much sought after."So what? You think I will be scared?"His suddenly lowerd his head and I trembled slightly as he cupped the back of my neck, tightening his grip."Hmm, nice!" He whispered huskily.His voice distracted me greatly and I felt the fear disappear as my gaze flit down to his lips and return, startled to his eyes.The fingers at the back of my neck stroked some wild nerve to life, careening them through me as my pulse bumped to light speed."There," he said quietly. "Scared now?"I could all but feel his mouth on mine and I couldn't tell if I imagined it but his scent wafted into my nostrils for a split second, tantalizing my senses beyond control and it was difficult, trying to concentrate.His mocking laughter snapped me out of my reverie. "You felt it too, yesterday, didn't you? don't you? Why are you pretending not to? That's al
Chapter SixMondrian's POV“I’d love to see you try Alpha—-?” The corners of my mouth twitched with the ghost of a smile as I punched him harder in the face before he could finish. And suddenly, I craved more blood. I was usually good with controlling my emotions, but with her in front of me. With so much hurt in her eyes, I couldn't stand my Wolf taking over.I wanted so badly to have Christoph torn apart, limb by limb. At that moment, it felt as though all of that was meant to give me immense satisfaction and some relief from the chaos brewing inside me.I tried to hold back my Wolf from having him attacked almost instantly, with my hands still wrapped tightly around her wrist. I couldn't understand why she made me feel the way I did.She looked me over as if noticing my presence for the first time. The sweet scent of this annoying perfect girl, overwhelmed me as I breathed her in amidst all that was happening. “Fuck!” Christoph groaned in pain, holding onto his already broken nose
Chapter seven Mondrian’s POVIt doesn’t have to mean anything…right?! The drive home is more annoying than it seems with Alex on the drivers side chirping away with unhinged excitement at my plight. After filling him in on what had happened in the Violet pack. “So you’re saying that you think her own mother probably tried to kill her daughter??” Alex’s hands raise high to the roof of the car as he shuts the top windows as the slow drizzle of the rain revolves around us. My hands find their way into the gentle strands of hair that've been pulled back with the rubber band I’ve become accustomed to carrying around. Releasing my hair from their bonded terror, I don’t give a verbal response but Alex doesn’t even wait for a response before coming to an answer of his own.“That doesn’t make any sense man.” “I didn’t say she did it. I said..there’s a probability that she’s the one who sent those assassins. There’s something fishy going on and that’s not even the most of my problems at the
Chapter eightCelene’s POVI run across the hallway and up the stairs that connected to the hallways of my room, my heart beating hard and fast as I held into every bit of reserve I’d summed up over the past few hours. Just a few more steps and I’d be within the confines of my room. My eyes blurred with tears as I raced down the hallway, my hands on the doorknob as I barged into my room slamming the door behind me before sinking to my knees.My hands trembled in my laps as I let out all my tears, my cries were barely heard over the sound of rain that hit the roof like pebbles on glass making it all the more easy for me to let out every bit of pent up emotion swirling through me. The atmosphere shifted slowly matching my mood as my room seemed to take on an even darker loom the flowers slowly dropping and the weather slowly worsening. My hands burned where Christoph had held me against him and I raged from within at the betrayal I had recieved. It was only yesterday that I found out
Chapter NineMondrian’s POVThe drive home was faster with my emotions in check and Alex feeling a tad bit chirpier about the things he felt like he’d be able to do now that he knew I’ve gotten a mate. I didn’t realize that the absence of my mate not only pressed into my side but affected the lots of people around me. I ruled the White fire pack with as much intensity and ruthlessness it took to ensure that the pack stayed burning and alive so it took a rather great deal for me to notice what the others were conferenced about only if brought to my notice by my beta-which is Alex-and any of my trusted enforcers. My eyes catch the movement of guards on patrol of the pack house situated at the front end gate which overlooks the crest of the hill the pack was situated on. There were too many advantages with building the pack this far up the county coast, the vegetarian grew easier here making it easy to trade any produce into the local markets and stores providing a source of income for
101 Celene The thoughts of the previous night kept replaying in my head, couldn’t stop replaying the moment in my mind. Mondrian walked away from me, his face a myriad of emotions that I could place, walking away from me after that hug that left me wanting him to stay, yet too embarrassed to do anything. What was that all about? It wasn’t like him to act so cold, Mondrian always made sure to savor every single moment of our time together. That hug should have lasted for quite a while before breaking it with a kiss. Although I tried not to think too deeply about his actions, I couldn't help but feel his walking away had to do with the promise he had made to me. Did he not want to do it or was he having second doubts? The thought ate at me all night. Twisting and turning in bed all night, pulling the blanket tighter, then throwing it off entirely. Sleep eluded me no matter what I did or how hard I tried. My mind kept circling back to him— his expression, him walking out without so
100 Mondrian I stepped into my office to find Alex my beta and best friend waiting for me, his arms folded and his face set in his usual calm and unreadable expression. Although It was his usual look, but something about it annoyed me. Maybe it was the tension in the air, or maybe it was the way my own guilt over Celene—walking away from her—still clung to me like a heavy cloak. Either way, I wasn’t in the mood for pleasantries. “Alex,” I greeted curtly, nodding as I took my seat at the head of the desk. "Alpha," he responded, his tone even, but I caught the flicker of Amusement in his eyes. He knew something. Before I could say anything more, Arlen walked in, his boots clicking against the floor as he joined us. His young face showed none of the excitement he usually eluded instead the shadows under his eyes and the way he sighed told a different tale. It was not surprising, considering the mission I’d sent him on. "Arlen," I said, leaning forward. "Any News young one? Are t
99 Mondrian “What the heck was that?” Zara’s sharp voice followed me as I turned towards the stairs leading to my office. “Do you even realize how harsh you were?” she asked, walking in tandem with me, arms placed hastily on her hips. I stopped mid-step and turned to her, my jaw tightening. “I was harsh for a good reason.” My voice was cold and fiand rm, Zara’s eyes held mine, “She disobeyed me, Zara. She could’ve gotten hurt or worse.” “She didn’t, though,” she countered, her voice calm but firm, her arms crossed across her chest. “And yelling at her like that isn’t going to make her listen to you. If anything, you’re just going to push her further away. I thought you wanted her to fall for you. This isn't the way Mondrian.” Her words hit me like a blow to the chest. I hated to admit it, but she was right. The look on Celene’s, face when I had scolded her—hurt, betrayed, and shocked kept replaying in my mind. It made me feel sick to my stomach. The thought of Celene shifting
98 Celene I stared at her, my hand still raised, my chest heaving. The energy I’d felt when I had merged with Alera surged through me, I could feel the electric tension as my hands trembled from the rush. What the heck was that? My mind whirling as It struggled to process what had just happened. Pecan’s stunned face didn't change as she stared at me, and I couldn’t shake the image of her flying. Albeit satisfying that should have been impossible, I shouldn't be able to do that…not with Pecan who had a place in Mondrian's army, rumors about her slaying mountains of men had welcomed me on my very first day, despite her nasty attitude, she was someone Mondrian had acknowledged and I had thrown her with a flick of my wrist. The hallway grew eerily silent, for a second it all felt like a dream, but my heartbeat pounded loudly in my ears telling a different tale. Then, out of nowhere, Zara appeared, her face full of worry as she hurried toward me. “What happened? I heard a scream,” s
97 Celene I woke up to find Mondrian sitting by my bed, his head in his hands. His shoulders looked heavy like he was carrying the weight of the world. The dim light of the room made his dark hair gleam, and his expression, when he finally glanced up at me, was nothing short of pained. My heart skipped at his forlorn expression. “Mondrian?” My voice came out hoarse, barely above a whisper. My throat burning, and everything felt… off—dull. Still, I reached out to him “What’s wrong?” He exhaled slowly like he was relieved just to hear me speak. “Celene,” he said, his voice soft but laced with tension. “You’re awake. I'm glad.” But his expression still didn't change. “Of course I’m awake,” I said, frowning, as a soft groan escaped My lips. My head was pounding, and my memories were foggy. Before I could ask what had happened, a single memory turned sharp in my mind, and it made my heart leap, excitement fueled my voice looking towards him “I turned! Didn’t I?” His face fell fur
96 Mondrian “Why would you say that, Mondrian?” The voice startled me. In the chaos of trying to save Celene and then battling Maria's words, I had forgotten about the people around me. I turned around, and there he was, glaring at me like I’d just committed some sort of crime. His arms were crossed over his chest, and his expression was sharp a far cry from his usual expressionless face. “You think this is your fault?” he demanded, his voice harsh. “Celene turning and then her fever? You think you’re the reason she’s like this?” I didn’t say anything for a moment. How could I explain? He wouldn’t understand. “If I had been paying a little bit of attention, I would’ve noticed something was wrong,” I finally said, my voice quiet but firm. “if only I wasn't so selfish…I could’ve done something to stop it.” Alex shook his head, frustrated. “Stop it? Stop what, Mondrian? The fever? The turning? What exactly?” His voice rises with every question, “Celene is an adult, she can make h
95 Mondrian “Aren't you in love with Celene?” Zara's words replay in my head on a continuous loop, her words hit me like a punch to the guys, her eyes boring into mine as she stared at me with a look of assuredness. She followed up by stating her efforts towards bringing I and celene together. I had been too shocked to defend myself, too unsure of what was in store for me, I could only stutter, Zara had looked at me with a face tinged with a shock that I hadn't realized before patting my shoulder urging me to think about my next steps before leaving me to my thoughts, with a simple excuse. Too shocked to function I walked back into the room, and her pale unconscious face came into view. Was I in love with Celene? Had I been very obvious in my interest in her? Did Celene like me too? The thoughts ricochet around my mind, mixing in with my feelings of worry towards Celene, until it becomes a giant pile of nerves. With a huff, I fall back on the bed. “What am I doing?” I muttere
94 Mondrian “Celene!” Horror overwhelms me watching her wolf fall in slow motion after finally turning puts my heart in reverse, catching her fall, I pull her into my arms, “What's wrong with you Celene?” She doesn't respond. She had fallen unconscious. This was all my fault, I had no one else to blame, I should have stopped her when she wanted to try again, and I should have been more strict. Despite her being unconscious, her body begins the painful process of turning human. I winced at every crack, her weak body made even when she didn't acknowledge them. Pilling her close to my chest I waited out the turning process murmuring sweet meaningless nothings, while I prayed for it all to be over. At the last pop, I pull off my jacket to cover her semi-naked body, she had been in her underwear during the transformation, and she had feared ruining the sportswear she had walked in with. Her body flushed red from the pain and soaked with sweat, glistened under the sweltering sun. With
93 Celene My talk with Zara put my thoughts in line. To learn more information about my history I needed to ask my father, which I couldn't do on my own, so another goal was created— I needed to overpower Luna Valerie and my father to become strong enough so they respect me. To do so I needed power— more than I already had. Which could only be gotten if I learned to turn, the history book clearly stated the silver wolfs were blessed with powers, and even Alera could confirm, but for some odd reason she couldn't unlock it. Further solidifying my reasons to become stronger, I needed a teacher. I need Mondrian. There was no one more fitting of the role other than Alpha Mondrian. He understood my problem and wanted to help, moreover, I was comfortable a bit with him. I held my breath, my hands growing sweaty, waiting for him to give me an answer. His deep grey eyes bore into mine, holding me in place, “Are you sure Celene? I thought we agreed you should take things slow.” He asked,